Dec 20 3D Printed Skulls Help Teach Future Brain Surgeons

Brain surgery is notoriously difficult with surgeons spending years honing their craft. Given the need for more hands-on practice performing surgical operations, researchers at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur have created a 3D printed skull that can provide just that.

Using scans of each layer of the human skull, Vicknes Waran, professor in the Department of Surgery, used an Object500 Connex 3D printer to create a multi-material skull and brain model that accurately simulates the textures and colors seen by surgeons.

From bone to membranes, the new model is a vast improvement over previous simulations that used a single material throughout the entire apparatus. With the new model surgeons in training can see, hear and feel the transitions between materials, helping them learn and perfect their craft.

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has been writing Fabbaloo posts since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has been writing Fabbaloo posts since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!